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What I Hope to CoverA few facts about the adolescent brain
Why that makes Middle School challenging The developing brain meets middle school
realities!
How Parents can help so that children can succeed!!!
Prefrontal CortexThe decision-making part of the brain:
Planning
Thinking about the consequences of actions
Solving problems, and
Controlling impulses This part of the brain is responsible for what is
commonly called “Executive Functioning.”
Brain Changes During Adolescence
Big Changes !
Unused connections get pruned away and others become strengthened to prepare for life ahead
The amygdala undergoes these changes before the prefrontal cortex
The MismatchThe pre frontal cortex has yet to get
overhauled, but the demands skyrocket!
Children may react with strong emotions.
They need our help if they are to succeed.
What is So Different (academically)
about Middle School?
•Seven Separate Classes Every Day
•Short Term, Long-Term and Recurring Assignments
•Mountains of Paper
Strengths Needed to Tackle Middle School Challenges
Planning
Problem solving
Thinking about the consequences of actions, and
Controlling impulses
All of these come from the pre-frontal cortex!
A Word About Homework
• Yes, there will be homework every single night!
• Set up a Routine!
• Hold them accountable–See the assignment–Track the grades
1. Write Things DownThe agenda
Short and Long Term Assignments
On-line backup (ParentView)Don’t let them rely on it!
Make sure they develop this habit !!!!
2. Stay Organized
•The 3 Piece Organizational System• Agenda• Two Pocket Folder• Returned Work Envelope
•Check agenda, backpack and locker
3. Plan AheadStudents need a system to keep track of long-
term obligationsAgenda (if used correctly) is one option
Help your child “chunk out” long term assignments into short term pieces with scheduled completion dates
Share your procrastination horror stories!
4. Ask for HelpMake sure they know it is a strength, not a
weakness!
Lots of help availableTeachers hold office hoursLunchesStudy buddies/groups
Other StuffBrains and Bodies are growing fast
9+ hours of sleep Limit screens before bed
Don’t let them go to 1st period on an empty stomach
Don’t have them study on an empty stomach
Conclusion• Middle School requires students to get good
at a number of new skills they may struggle with
• Struggles may be met with strong emotional responses
• 6th grade is when students need to develop success habits
• We do all we can but your children absolutely need your help in order to succeed.
References Raising Children Network, with the Centre
for Adolescent Health. Your teenager’s developing brain. (2014, March 12). Retrieved August 10, 2014.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Facts for Families #95. The Teen Brain: Behavior, Problem Solving, and Decision Making. December, 2011.
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